Why Christine for EWSD?
Christine Gaynor-Patterson is a former educator, community builder, business professional, and engaged member of Essex Junction with two young children attending EWSD schools. Christine wants to lend her expertise, experience, and unique approach to advancing EWSD as a distinguished leader for high-quality education in Vermont.
Former Educator of Fifteen Years
Special Education Educator and Department Chair, leading educators in high-quality, specialized instruction
MTSS Coordinator, disaggregated data to inform school-based instructional decisions for 1,200 students
Union Bargaining Representative, negotiated with district staff, admin, legal to create a fair and binding agreement for 700 educators
AVID Coordinator, providing career and college readiness and advancement opportunities for all students
Community Builder & Advocate
Community Organizer, organized hundreds of teachers, parents, and community members to provide necessary protections and support for students and school employees
Parent Advocate, assisted parents in obtaining a fair and appropriate education for their child
Founder of Community Collective, collaborated with district and school board to create, advance, and implement an equity policy
Founding Member of EWSD Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Attending EWSD board meetings and actively engaging for over two years
Business Leader and Professional
Senior Manager, leads team to design customized, human-centered, 21st Century learning for business professionals
Consultant, conducts needs assessments to solve business challenges and support innovation
Change Practitioner, creates Change Management plans for business initiatives impacting 14,000 employees using a people-focused approach
Core Values
Inclusive Representation: Commit to ensuring that every student, parent, and teacher feels valued and heard, regardless of their background, needs, or beliefs.
Clarity and Transparency: Pledge to provide the community with clear, accessible information about decisions, challenges, and successes.
Action and Accountability: Ensure that school district leaders and staff are accountable for their roles in providing high-quality education and a supportive learning environment.
Key Areas of Focus
A school board member is responsible for overseeing policy, working closely with the superintendent, who manages daily operations. The public is a key stakeholder in electing board members and providing feedback to both the board and the district. Effective policy creation and implementation rely on collaboration and communication between all parties. As a school board member, I will continue to support and promote these collaborative efforts within the EWSD:
Portrait of a Graduate
Community Conversations
Creation of an Equity Policy
Student Board Members
I have identified Key Areas for improvement that I'd like to highlight as a school board member. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to address these key areas:
Solve Challenges with a Data-Driven, Evidence-Based Approach
Implement a Data Collection System: Work with district staff to enhance collecting and analyzing data on student performance, program effectiveness, and educational disparities.
Regular Review Meetings: Schedule quarterly meetings with district administrators to review data findings, and adjust strategies as needed.
Community Reporting: Report to the community on findings and actions taken, maintaining both transparency and accountability.
Fair Budgetary System
State Liaison: Appoint or act as a liaison to communicate with state representatives about the district's budgetary needs and priorities.
Budget Workshops: Organize workshops with community stakeholders to help understand and advocate for budgetary allocations that reflect community priorities.
Funding Proposals: Develop and submit detailed funding proposals backed by data and community support.
Line Item Budget Review: Advocate for a transparent process to check how taxpayer funds are used, ensuring smart spending.
Teacher and Staff Support
Feedback System: Implement an anonymous feedback system for teachers and staff to share their experiences and suggestions.
Retention Programs: Support initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining high-quality staff.
Professional Development: Allocate budget for ongoing, effective, professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of teachers, staff, and students.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Advisory Committee Presentations: Invite advisory committees with community, parents, caregivers, and/or student representation to provide input on district decisions.
Partnership Programs: Establish partnerships with local businesses and institutions to foster enrichment opportunities for students.
Access to Student Progress: Enhance caregiver access to student progress reports and educational resources, ensuring parents and caregivers are equipped to be partners in their child's education.